By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to hear on Monday the long-pending petitions of various public utility vehicle (PUV) groups seeking fare increases, as transport operators press for relief from escalating fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the agency aims to strike a balance between sustaining the livelihood of transport operators and protecting commuters from the impact of higher fares.
“The goal has always been to come up with the best measures that are acceptable not only to the PUV community but also to all the concerned sectors, particularly the commuters, because of the continuous challenge that we face as a result of the situation in the Middle East,” Mendoza said.
The hearing, scheduled at 9 a.m., was ordered by Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez and will gather representatives from major transport organizations to present evidence and their respective positions on the proposed adjustments.
Among those expected to attend are jeepney organizations PISTON and Manibela; UV Express groups Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, 997 Sandigan Transport Cooperative, and the UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines; taxi operators Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative and Light of Glory Transport Service Inc.; and motorcycle taxi group United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines.
The petitions seek increases over the current P13 minimum fare, with Manibela asking for a P2 adjustment, while PISTON is pushing for a P10 increase.
Mendoza said the hearing is intended to allow all stakeholders to present evidence and comments before the LTFRB completes its evaluation.
“The purpose of the hearing is to receive evidence, comments and the respective positions of all interested parties regarding the pending petition,” he said.
Following the proceedings, the LTFRB will submit its recommendation to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for appropriate action.
The fare adjustment requests resurfaced after transport groups renewed calls for government intervention amid rising oil prices triggered by overseas conflicts. A previously considered fare increase had been deferred to cushion commuters from additional expenses, but transport operators maintain that drivers are also bearing the burden of higher fuel costs and require immediate assistance.
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